Can We Talk About Coasters? Not the Ones at Amusement Parks, the Ones You Put a Drink On

Absorbent stone discs with cork bottoms. The stone holds its weight in water and doesn't leak.

I have marble coasters with cork bottoms, and I don't use them as the condensation makes the coaster stick to the glass. I should toss them.

So one vote for and one vote against marble with cork bottom!

No, two votes against marble with cork bottom. Marble is not an absorbent stone.

I have some inexpensive all cork coasters from IKEA and they do a pretty good job, also not too ugly to look at.

Bottoms lined in cork or felt. Ones as stated that have a lip on the sides. Don't buy ones with stupid expressions. I liken them to bumper stickers.

R1 has the best answer: something like you see at the link. These are also great for hot drinks because they don't allow the heat to travel through the coaster to the table or counter, unlike some other coasters.

I would get a lot of free coasters in the mail from the mid-90s throughout the early Aughts

What about the ones that sing?

One dull winter in college, I made a stack of coasters myself.

I only needed a few items: - Subway tiles, approx. 4x4 - Scrapbooking paper in various patterns (plaid, polka dots, etc.), cut into squares slightly smaller than 4x4 - Black felt, cut into 4x4 squares - A jar of glossy Mod Podge - A sponge brush

Clean the subway tiles. Brush a light layer of Mod Podge onto a tile, and gently set one of the scrapbooking paper squares center on the tile, making sure to press out any wrinkles or bubbles. Let it dry for a few minutes, then brush on a full coat of Mod Podge coating the top and all four thin sides. Repeat with a second coat to ensure maximum waterproofing. Set to dry at room temperature for a few hours. Once dry and set, turn over and use dabs of Mod Podge to glue a felt square neatly over the bottom of the tile.

Interesting, R10, but a solution that doesn't address OP's issue: the condensation has nowhere to go.

Moisture must be absorbed so that either the glass doesn't stick to the coaster or the accumulated water doesn't get onto the surface you're using the coaster to protect.

Coasters are apparently non-U, but I genuinely don’t know what the alternative is.

I am a coaster Dom. I freak out at my BF and guests when they don’t use The coasters on my marble tables. Who raised these basic bitches!

Serviettes, R12. Cocktail Serviettes.

I came here to talk about the band that did "Charlie Brown" and "Yackety-Yak (Don't Talk Back)."

r15 See r9

Tomorrow, will we be discussing The Platters?

Their more famous song, R9.

Do good coasters "wear out"? Do they lose their absorbency?

R19 No

Thirstystone coasters don't seem to work as advertised. I put a cold beverage on one, and the condensation puddles on it. Sometimes the coaster sticks to the glass and falls back onto the table. Like R11 mentioned. They're fine for hot tea or coffee, but cold drinks, not so much.

I have agate coasters. They do the job and look cool. You can get them at West Elm, Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie and Etsy.

Super ghetto but I use a plastic salsa container lid flipped upside down with a paper towel to absorb the condensation. Replace paper towel as needed. Looks tacky but works perfectly.

R23 is there any significance to using that specific salsa container or is it just what you had handy?

Just what I had handy. A Pringles lid is more coaster size and would probably work but might be too small depending on the glass/cup.

It's good salsa though. Recommended.

Buy something lightweight. Drunks throw things.

None. I think they're tacky.

I bought these Mouserugs for computer use. I bought a couple extra just because I liked them so much. I do use one of them as a drink rest. They do come in smaller, coaster size.

They're made out of neoprene / wetsuit-type material covered with something soft that gives it a rug feel.

Maxi pads. Duh.